Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation for ACL Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests if using virtual reality for mindfulness meditation can help women who had ACL surgery reduce their fear of injury, improve their movements, and enhance brain activity. The study compares this method to another VR experience over a period of time. Virtual Reality (VR) has been increasingly used to enhance mindfulness practices, showing benefits in mental health and engagement.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants not be on any medication that affects the central nervous system.
Is Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation safe for humans?
Research on Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation shows it is generally safe, with mild side effects like VR sickness (feeling dizzy or nauseous) reported in some cases. Studies involving people with PTSD, chronic pain, and psychosis found no major safety concerns, suggesting it is a safe option for various conditions.12345
How does Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation treatment differ from other treatments for ACL injury?
Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation is unique because it uses immersive technology to deliver mindfulness practices, which can improve mood and reduce stress, potentially enhancing recovery from ACL injuries. Unlike traditional physical therapies, this approach leverages VR to create an engaging and accessible environment for mindfulness, which may also help manage pain and emotional well-being.23678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation for ACL Injury?
Research shows that virtual reality can help reduce anxiety and pain in medical settings, such as during orthopedic procedures and preoperative situations. Additionally, using virtual reality for mindfulness training has been effective in reducing negative emotions and anxiety in patients with spinal cord injuries.69101112
Who Is on the Research Team?
Shelby E Baez, Ph.D., ATC
Principal Investigator
UNC-Chapel Hill
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for females aged 14-25 who had left-side ACL reconstruction surgery 1 to 5 years ago, are right-hand dominant, and injured their knee in sports. They must have MRI compliance, specific levels of fear related to movement (measured by a special scale), and poor jump-landing patterns. Excluded are males, those with recent concussions or CNS medications, claustrophobia, metal implants that can't be removed, under drug influence or pregnant.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo 8 weeks of virtual reality mindfulness meditation or sham intervention along with an advanced neuromuscular training program
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in injury-related fear, jump-landing movement patterns, and brain activity
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation
- Virtual Reality Sham
Virtual Reality Mindfulness Meditation is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Reduction of injury-related fear after ACL reconstruction
- Improvement of jump-landing movement patterns after ACL reconstruction
- Improvement of brain activity after ACL reconstruction
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Collaborator